AT THE 42nd ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS

August 8, 2009

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Distinguished guests

Dear friends,

Tomorrow, August 8, 2009, we will celebrate the 42nd anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), an event of special significance for ten member states, including the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam.

For 42 years of development with a lot of difficulties and challenges, ASEAN is now a united and solid association, the common roof of Southeast Asian nations, and becomes a regional organization for comprehensive cooperation and a dynamic political-economic entity playing an increasingly important role in the region and the world.

To lead ASEAN to a new stage in line with the ASEAN Charter, leaders of all member states have unanimously approved the roadmap of building the ASEAN Community, with visions to 2015, the master plans on three major pillars - Political-Security Community, Economic Community, and Socio-Cultural Community, and the Assistance Program to narrow the development gaps. These are the foundation for ASEAN to further bring into play results of its cooperation and advance its internal coherenece and its cooperation with other partners to a new height.

With the Association’s great efforts, the ASEAN Charter – a document of historical significance – has been put into reality and the new apparatus of ASEAN has come into operation, paving the way for ASEAN’s cooperation and performance to flourish in a closer unity and more effective way.

The cooperation between ASEAN and its partners is increasingly strengthened through long-term programs and timely joint actions to cope with the current global challenges such as economic and financial crisis, epidemics, natural calamities, and climate change. The East Asian integration has been expanded and deepened through outlining, signing and implementing many cooperation agreements on economics, trade, investment, services and establishing more free trade areas. The role of ASEAN has been continuously elevated. Many countries continue to support the main role of the Association in many cooperation processes in the region and the world.

Building the ASEAN Community is an uninterrupted process requiring joint efforts of the Association as a whole and each and every member state in particular to overcome various difficulties and challenges. The top requirement for ASEAN is now its determination to fruitfully realize the approved documents, programs and plans with specific and practical measures; consolidate solidarity and cooperation on the basis of common targets and fundamental principles stipulated in the ASEAN Charter.

Distinguished guests and dear friends,

Việt Nam always considers the cooperation within Southeast Asia and ASEAN an important part of its diplomatic policy for independence, self-reliance, multilateralization and friendly neighborhood. Việt Nam wants to take part in the ASEAN cooperation in the spirit of ‘activeness and responsibility’ for peace, stability and development in the region and the world; contribute to the construction of an integrated, powerful and effective ASEAN. Over the past 14 years since its admission to ASEAN in July 1995, Việt Nam has become an indispensable member of the ASEAN family. Việt Nam and other members are sparing no effort to enhance cooperation and integration towards the formation of an ASEAN Community by 2015.

In 2010, Việt Nam will undertake the ASEAN Presidency. This is a great honor and heavy responsibility. Việt Nam is promptly completing all necessary preparations and is ready to fulfill the assignment in order to showcase its role and contributions to peace, cooperation and development of ASEAN as well as to effective cooperation between ASEAN and partners.

On the occasion of the traditional day of ASEAN, on behalf of the Government and people of Việt Nam, I would like to convey best wishes to goverments and peoples of all members in the ASEAN family and partner countries. Wish ASEAN greater solidarity and development.

Thank you very much.